Ancelotti says Brazil have squad to compete with anyone at World Cup

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team has the quality to compete with the world's best at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, ahead of the five-time champions' opening Group C match against Morocco in New Jersey. The Italian, 67, who will manage a World Cup for the first time after winning five Champions League titles at club level, described the assignment as "a unique and very beautiful moment in my career" and framed the tournament in two words: "responsibility and honor." Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti said Brazil have "a squad that can compete with every team, and we believe that," adding that the players are experienced and carry "absolute confidence" in their ability to challenge any opponent. He described the tournament as balanced and said the squad is ready for Group C fixtures against Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002. They qualified with six defeats in 18 matches, finishing fifth in the South American standings, and arrive at the tournament with limited external expectations.